workshops work

Send us a textAre facilitators just salespeople in disguise? We’re not on commission, we’re not driven by a desired outcome, we don’t have a product, and nor are we in a numbers game… and yet, the longer I spoke to Alan Versteeg this week, the more I realised just how much we have in common.And if you still don’t believe me, Alan is here to change your mind - after all, this is where he shines! Alan has been selling perspectives to people for many, many years, inviting them in to  realise new ideas - rather like that of a facilitator.Learn how Alan masters the influence of persuasion, how he’s perfected the art of authenticity to build trust, and why he believes the buy-in of a group is actually your secret sales pitch.Find out about:The intersection of facilitation and sales: from trust to perception and psychologyAlan’s 26-year sales experience in selling perspectivesWhy leaders need to master buy-in if they are to inspire new perspectivesThe importance of appealing to someone’s values - not their idealsThe 6 Ps of persuasionDon’t miss the next episode: subscribe to the show with your favourite podcast player.Links:Watch the video recording of this episode on YouTube.Download the 6P Cheat SheetConnect to Alan Versteeg:LinkedInWebsiteSupport the show✨✨✨You can now find the podcast on Substack, where your host Dr. Myriam Hadnes is building a club for you to find fellow listeners and peers: https://myriamhadnes.substack.com/

Jutta Weimar, founder of the Berlin-based Facilitation Academy, shares her profound insights into the art of facilitation that prioritizes authentic connections. She explores how personal growth and self-awareness are pivotal in creating spaces of healing and commitment. Jutta discusses the balance between structure and freedom in workshops, the significance of understanding participants' obstacles, and the importance of being one's true self to foster authenticity in others. Dive into a sincere conversation about empowerment, trust, and navigating the inner journey of facilitators.

Maria Arpa, a mediator and facilitator, dedicated to bridging divides across communities, shares her wealth of experience in fostering trust and open dialogue. She discusses her innovative Dialogue Road Map method for communicating needs and creating safe spaces that enhance vulnerability. Exploring stories from extreme environments to corporate life, Maria highlights the transformative power of empathy and respect, as well as the importance of self-awareness in both personal and professional contexts. Her insights inspire a deeper understanding of human connection.

Dave Gray, a possibilitarian, artist, and author renowned for his insights on Gamestorming and community building, shares valuable life lessons on creativity and business. He discusses the crucial role of facilitation in team dynamics and how structured meetings can enhance collaboration. Gray highlights the importance of empathy maps in aligning teams and the shift from traditional sales to meaningful customer connections. He emphasizes the balance between structure and spontaneity in fostering creativity while navigating the complexities of professional fulfillment.

Minna Taylor, an applied play theorist and strategist, passionately advocates for the importance of play in organizational settings. She explores how play fosters creativity and authenticity while dismantling societal misconceptions. With insights on psychological safety and the need for openness, Minna emphasizes that embracing uncertainty can lead to deeper engagement. The conversation also touches on reintroducing play for adult wellness and productivity, highlighting the vital role it plays in navigating change and enhancing connection in the workplace.

Myriam Hadnes, an expert on cultivating great conversations, shares her insights on the delicate art of dialogue. She emphasizes the importance of curiosity and presence in enhancing conversations. Myriam reveals her three rules for effective questioning and why follow-up questions are vital. She explores the significance of silence and the power of the word 'and' in deepening understanding. Additionally, she addresses why meaningful discussions often fade with loved ones, encouraging listeners to reignite those connections.

Send us a textCorporate training doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, it can be playful, curious, a little bit magical, and dare I say it - fun. And this week I am joined by the creative magic of not one, but two brilliant guests who are here to tell you how: Simon Edwards and Ian Byrne.Hailing from the worlds of game design and facilitation, we delve deep into the wondrous realm of learning in all of its curious, human forms. Together, they share the eureka moments of their immersive experiences, the evolution of leadership in L&D, why ancient Vipassana meditation has the power to overcome ego, and the art of giving radical candor.Tune in and get ready to learn!Find out about:The two halves of an organisation: the informal and the formalThe role and limitations of AI in organizational change, learning and facilitationRecognising the cultural differences of engagementAction learning: how to turn theoretical learning into realityWhat we can learn from neurodivergent thinkingThe power of pausing to listen to your bodyDon’t miss the next episode: subscribe to the show with your favourite podcast player.Links:Watch the video recording of this episode on YouTube.Connect to Simon and Ian:https://mindblown.io/https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindblown-adventures/https://www.facebook.com/MindBlown.iohttps://www.instagram.com/mindblown.io/https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-edwards-93312318/https://living-systems.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/icbyrne/Support the show✨✨✨You can now find the podcast on Substack, where your host Dr. Myriam Hadnes is building a club for you to find fellow listeners and peers: https://myriamhadnes.substack.com/

Send us a textDefiant slowness: it’s a salve, a rebellion, and a lifelong endeavour when we have been taught to live fast, 100mph lives. Because only when we turn down the speedometer, can we be present enough to think deeply, connect to ourselves, bond with others, and experience the joys of simply being.It’s why Marike and Clinton relish slowness in their facilitation practice, carving out interludes that delight in the details, welcome appreciation into the room, nurture real relationships, and create the breathing space for intention.We explore the beautiful macrocosm of slowing down in episode 286. Woven with wonderful stories, aha! moments and words you will want to press pause upon, Marike and Clinton bring a rich, eloquent perspective to facilitating with thought.Find out about:Why slowing down can help us to be more thoughtful, purposeful and connectedHow to address difficult participant behaviours with curiosity, rather than judgmentWhy genuine, deep relationships often comes at the price of discomfortThe importance of delighting in the details, both inside and beyond the workshop spaceDon’t miss the next episode: subscribe to the show with your favourite podcast player.Links:Watch the video recording of this episode on YouTube.Connect to Marike and Clinton:Marike GroenewaldClinton du PreezWebsiteSupport the show✨✨✨You can now find the podcast on Substack, where your host Dr. Myriam Hadnes is building a club for you to find fellow listeners and peers: https://myriamhadnes.substack.com/

Send us a textAs the old adage goes, failing to prepare, is preparing to fail. But how do you prepare for something as catastrophic as a natural disaster?Scott Winter helps people, teams and organisations to struggle more effectively and step into their greatness. He’s done so for communities in California to recover from the devastation of wildfires, as well as countless others, showing up with life-affirming purpose, humanity and presence as a facilitator, to re-mould stress into hardy resilience for the future.In this brilliant and vulnerable conversation, he shares his work in co-regulating mindsets, how to make it easy to talk about difficult things, and why with the right tools, every experience can be turned into a learning opportunity.Find out about:How to create safe spaces that address high-stress situations with rationalityThe three Rs of resilience: Readiness, Response, and RecoveryThe art and science of asking questionsLearn about the Red Zone, Green Zone, Pink Zone frameworkDifficultating: how to facilitate difficult conversationsHow to mindfully embrace triggers in othersThe importance of asking: what do we not want to take into the room?Don’t miss the next episode: subscribe to the show with your favourite podcast player.Links:Watch the video recording of this episode on YouTube.Connect to Scott Winter:LinkedInWebsiteSupport the show✨✨✨You can now find the podcast on Substack, where your host Dr. Myriam Hadnes is building a club for you to find fellow listeners and peers: https://myriamhadnes.substack.com/

Emily Hinks, a passionate mischief maker, advocates for joy and human connection in the workplace. She shares insights on enhancing company culture through playful engagement and effective facilitation. Discover the ROI of authentic connections and why team values matter. Learn how to improve meeting dynamics and ensure every voice is heard. Hinks emphasizes the importance of nurturing relationships like gardens, and how embracing mischief can elevate workplace morale and creativity.